Local MP supports moves to improve services for vulnerable patients

Local MP, Michael Connarty is supporting the campaign calling on the Government to improve services for vulnerable patients with muscle disease.

A report published today by a group of leading neuromuscular physiotherapists, leading clinicians, in conjunction with the Muscular Dystrophy Campaign, reveals that patients with long term conditions in Linlithgow & East Falkirk are being denied ongoing physiotherapy by the NHS.

It is estimated that 1 in 1000 constituents in the constituency of Linlithgow & East Falkirk are living with muscle disease.

The report, Focus on Physio, found that for many adults and children with neuromuscular conditions, physiotherapy is essential in maintaining the best possible quality of life, for as long as possible.

However, physiotherapy is often restricted to patients where an improvement can be demonstrably measured by physiotherapists. Patients with progressive neuromuscular conditions fail to meet these criteria and are often refused physio on the NHS. They are then forced to pay for these services privately or go without.

Following a Freedom of Information request and a survey of patients, Building on the Foundations: Focus on Physio, reveals:

• Many patients in Scotland do not receive continuous, specialist physiotherapy or indeed any physiotherapy at all;

• There is currently only one Clinical Specialist Physiotherapist (CSPT) involved in the care of Neuromuscular disorders in Scotland;

• This service is provided to the West of Scotland and is limited to children and young adults;

• Patients who live on the 95 inhabited islands of Scotland are often unable to access the local ferry or small airplanes to take them to the specialist muscle centre. Travelling can take in excess of 13 hours.

• Very few young adults have access to a local physiotherapist;

[Example: One patient in Renfrewshire used to get physiotherapy three times a week at school. He was only able to continue physiotherapy once he left school after a battle by his mother who fought to get this crucial service. The service he currently receives is about to shutdown.]

• There is no CSPT dedicated to the adult population and referrals have to be returned to the Lead Consultant creating an inequitable service.

Commenting on the report’s findings, Michael said, “I am pleased to be supporting this campaign. It is very disappointing that patients with chronic conditions are being denied ongoing physiotherapy on the NHS.

“It is very important that the Department of Health recognise the specialist nature of the care needed by patients with neuromuscular conditions and ensure that such services are available to all patients, regardless of where they live. I will be taking up the issue of provision services with NHS Forth Valley and West Lothian.”

Dr Jill Higgins, Director of Practice and Development at the Chartered Society of Physiotherapists, commented on the need for physio for patients with neuromuscular conditions:

“Physiotherapy has a vital role to play throughout every stage in the treatment and management of the 60,000 people with neuromuscular conditions in the UK. Without it, mobility and independence can suffer and in some cases their condition can rapidly deteriorate. It is recognised that early and ongoing intervention of physiotherapy can also help reduce unplanned hospital admissions.”

Phil Butcher, Chief Executive at the Muscular Dystrophy Campaign, added: “It’s ludicrous to force patients with long term conditions to be re-referred by their GP again and again for ongoing physio. Parents are also rightly concerned about their children’s access to physio once they reach adulthood as it is often immediately withdrawn.

“I am delighted that we can count on the support of Michael Connarty MP in the fight against muscle disease. He is a strong voice in Parliament for local disabled people.”